This post is my top-ten checklist for creating a fun family vacation without all the distractions!
1. Plan ahead with your vacation schedule.
2. Write everything down to the pillows you take with you on your packing list.
3. Write an activity list for each child and give them their own bag of “fun stuff”.
4. Write a list of household stuff that needs to be done before you leave. (Pets, thermostat, mail stop, etc)
5. Schedule your vehicle to be checked out if you are driving a couple of weeks before your trip.
6. Clean out said vehicle prior to the trip. Yes, it will get messed up but you will be happy packing a clean vehicle!
7. Figure out what you can buy on your trip instead of packing. Food? Baby items? This might save you a headache and some space!
8. Organize your trip maps, documents, hotel information, etc in a binder and put it in the front of the vehicle or in your purse. You won’t be looking for that map or check-in information when you need it!
9. Make sure your cell phones and any other electronics (camera batteries, etc) are charged the day before your trip. After they are charged, throw the charging cord in your bag, just in case!
10. Throw a candy bar and a drink in your purse. When you get on the road, treat yourself to your snack for making it on the road. You deserve it!
We don’t travel a lot with three kids that are three and under. We do make trips to visit my family but that is a day trip. Even with those day trips, a lot of these items apply to traveling with kids. The one trip we had where we stayed in a hotel with the three kids was enough to make we want to wait awhile to do that again. The kids were perfect but it took every thing out of me to manage that trip. It only worked due to planning and letting stuff go, like not having socks for Little Dude’s outfit and just buying them at the mall when we got to where we were going!
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